Why This Breed Could Win a Doggie Gold Medal

Is The Irish Water Dog Right For You?

A clever and quick learner, the Irish Water Spaniel makes a great watchdog.

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Irish Water Spaniel puppies should be trained and socialized early.

HISTORY

The Irish Water Spaniel, said to be the largest of all the Spaniels, could be a hybrid of the Poodle, Irish Setter, and Portuguese Water Dog (or some combination thereof). There's evidence of the dog's ancestors as far back as the 7th century, but Justin McCarthy is credited with isolating the breed in 1859. Irish Water Spaniels were an integral part of duck hunting for the 19th and 20th centuries. Later replaced by the Labrador as the duck hunter's preferred breed, the Irish Water Spaniel is now considered rare. They were recognized by the AKC in 1884.

quick facts

Size

Large

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Hair Length

Medium

Male Height

20-24 inches in height

Male Weight

45-65 pounds

Female Height

19-23 inches in height

Female Weight

45-65 pounds

Litter Size

4-12 puppies

APPEARANCE

The largest Spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel has a curly, brown coat and a thick undercoat to keep them warm in even the coldest climates. Their domed skull ends in a strong, square muzzle. They have long ears and a deep, narrow chest, and webbed paws making them ideal for swimming.

PERSONALITY

The Irish Water Spaniel is an intelligent, hardy, and daring dog, having been bred to brave the cold North Sea as retrievers. They are a loving dog and are great with kids, and can be good with pets if properly introduced. They may not take to strangers, being shy or reserved. They should be socialized early on to avoid them becoming overprotective, or just mischievous. While they were bred to be hunting dogs, because of their tendency to not be vocal unless they detect something awry, they can also make a good watchdog.

color

The Irish Water Spaniel can be either deep puce, dark brown, or liver in color.